SPRINGFIELD - Nathan E. "Nate" Phillips, 15, of the Indian Orchard section of Springfield and formerly of Monson, passed away Saturday evening at Children's Hospital in Boston after a courageous battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was born in Springfield on December 15, 1995, he was the son of Sandra Manicki and Kevin Phillips. Raised in Monson, he attended schools there. He was an accomplished athlete, excelling in basketball and soccer. He was a brave soul and fought his bitter illness to the end that took his life at such a young age. He loved to go fishing and enjoyed playing pool with each of his parents and enjoyed snowboarding.